ROKT climbs onto tourism award shortlist

A major climbing attraction got an early birthday present after making the shortlist for a major tourism award.

Brighouse-based ROKT Climbing Gym has been named a finalist in the small visitor category in the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards.

The awards recognise a wide range of achievement in tourism provision and reward the very best of the industry throughout Yorkshire.

The Millroyd Street centre’s joint-owners Leigh Topping and Euan Noble took over the derelict mill in 2011 and within three months created a business plan, transformed the building and opened the doors.

Euan Noble, ROKT’s commercial director, said: “We’re all absolutely buzzing. Just getting this far this early in the life of the business is brilliant for the staff who work hard 24/7 and for the members and visitors.

“We created ROKT to be everything that climbing should be about - fun, problem-based activities, with a desire to get stronger, climb higher and above all to attract everyone regardless of background or ability.

“This reinforces our position now as a leading small visitor attraction and much more than just a climbing centre. We’ve now have such a wide mix of visitors, from British and European gold medal climbers to families and people aged from two to 95.”